Southampton vs Aston Villa preview: Kevin MacDonald assumes caretaker charge in Capital One Cup clash
A look ahead to the Capital One Cup 4th Round tie at St Mary’s
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Your support makes all the difference.It’s a big game for…
Brad Guzan: The American goalkeeper has been criticised of late as Villa have conceded eight times in their last four, with Tim Sherwood losing his job as a result of their poor form. Guzan has kept just one clean sheet since the opening day of the season and could be in for a torrid evening down on the south coast.
Weird stat…
6
Southampton have been drawn to play away from St Mary’s in their last six Capital One Cup matches prior to this tie, while Aston Villa’s last six games in the competition have all been at home. It means both sides face a different proposition in the cup for the first time since 2013.
Remember when…
The last time these two met, Sadio Mane scored the quickest hat-trick in Premier League history as Southampton crushed Aston Villa 6-1 at St Mary’s. He netted three times in a remarkable two minutes and 56 seconds to break Robbie Fowler’s record that had stood for over 20 years.
Player to watch…
Graziano Pelle: With Mane suspended following his late sending off at Anfield on Sunday, the onus is on Pelle to continue his goalscoring form without the ammunition of the Senegalese forward. Pelle has already netted seven goals this season and will look to take advantage of a Villa side at their lowest point.
Past three-meetings…
Southampton 6 (Mane 3, Long 2, Pelle) Aston Villa 1 (Benteke)
Premier League, May 2015
Aston Villa 1 (Agbonlahor) Southampton 1 (Clyne)
Premier League, November 2014
Aston Villa 0 Southampton 0
Premier League, April 2014
Form guide…
Southampton: LWWWDD
Aston Villa: LWLLLL
Vital information…
Kick-off time: 7.45pm, Wednesday, 28 October
TV: Highlights on Channel 5 from 11pm, Wednesday, 28 October
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